A federal grand jury has indicted former Murray County Chief Magistrate Judge Bryant Cochran on counts of conspiracy against rights, three counts of deprivation of rights under color of law, conspiracy to distribute a controlled substance and tampering with a witness.

The charges appear to be in connection with allegations of sexual harassment by former clerks in Cochran's office and the arrest of Angela Garmley. Garmley had raised allegations of improper conduct and sexual harassment against Cochran after appearing in his court.

Garmley and a friend were arrested during a traffic stop and charged with drug possession. The charges were later dropped and it was determined that the drugs were planted.

Two former Murray County sheriff deputies have pleaded guilty in connection with that incident and have been sentenced.